By Chimezie Godfrey
The African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, has commended the Nigerian Navy for its outstanding achievements in maritime security.
Adeoye gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, on February 5, 2026.
He praised the Navy’s success in preventing piracy attacks, which led to Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy list in 2022.
The AU Commissioner highlighted the Navy’s role in combating transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that the efforts support Africa’s economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Adeoye proposed a pan-African naval exercise in 2027 to strengthen cooperation among African navies.
He also encouraged Nigeria to organise a regional maritime exercise involving Zone E navies.
He cited the Global Firepower report which ranked Nigeria’s Navy as the strongest in Africa.
In his response, Vice Admiral Abbas expressed appreciation for the visit.
He assured that the Nigerian Navy would review the proposals.
The Chief of the Naval Staff reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining maritime security.